With its 10,000 miles of coastline, inlets and islands, Scotland boasts some of the finest waters for sailing in the UK. This weekend, enthusiasts from all over the country and beyond will be making their way to Inverkip on the west coast to take part in the first major race of the Scottish sailing season: the Savills Kip Regatta, organised by the Royal Western Yacht Club.

The Regatta, which Savills has sponsored for the last for 10 years, always delivers exhilarating racing. But it's also a wonderful opportunity to spend a weekend amid the breathtaking beauty of this part of Scotland: rugged coastline, endless beaches, secluded sea lochs surrounded by mountainous backdrops and ever-changing light.

Many of those who gather at Kip this weekend are likely to either own or covet one of the lovely properties strung out along the coast. Properties with moorings or private beaches, or which are situated close to a lively marina, are often key criteria in coastal property searches. And not just on this particular section of the coast either. In fact, demand is such that property prices in key coastal villages often have their own microclimate, with locations such as Helensburgh, Oban, Tighnabruaich and Lochgoilhead all attracting premiums.